Run With Patience

Running with patience (Hebrews 12:1) seems like a contradiction. At the instant the starter’s pistol fires, the sprinter explodes from his crouched, ready position into energy powering down the track. If we have to run to catch the bus, or to remind our children of something before they pedal out of sight, we race to get there as fast as we can.

But the Christian “walk” is just that – more of a marathon than a sprint, often slowing to a walk. We wait patiently to catch the next surge of energy and direction our Lord provides exactly when it is needed (Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 3:6). At times while we’re waiting on the Lord we’re crawling at what seems to be a snail’s pace, but as long as our direction is toward Him, we can have faith that we are on track.

At times the onslaught of the opponents is so fierce that we cannot even advance. At those times we must stand fast and hold our ground, knowing what and Whom we believe (1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8). If we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7).

To regain our momentum, we must set aside whatever is slowing our progress. Overt sins are surely a hindrance keeping us from fellowship with God and keeping us on the bench rather than actively engaged in the race. But even those habits and time-spenders that are not sinful, but that keep us from God’s best, slow us down (Hebrews 12:1)

But no matter how faint we may feel during this race (Isaiah 40:29-31; Galatians 6:9), and what hurdles and road blocks we encounter, we can have peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We can have patience as we await the visible manifestation of His invisible working of all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). 

Our peace in the Lord (Isaiah 26:3) comes from knowing that if we stumble or grow too weary to stand, He will tenderly pick us up and carry us across the finish line (Isaiah 40:11).

God keeps us from falling when we stumble because He sees as faultless through the perfect righteousness of His Son (Jude 1:24-25), At the moment of salvation through faith in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection as the only way to Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 14:6), the Holy Spirit placed us at the starting gate of this great race. He energizes us for the journey, reminds us of our goal and of the prize, and guides us through treacherous hazards and road conditions. Having set us on track, He will empower us to complete the race (Phillipians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:12)

Sometimes we joke that we don’t want to pray for patience, because patience is often the fruit of trials, tribulations, and suffering (Romans 5:3-4). Yet it is at these times that God’s power reveals itself most fully, for His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). As trials bring us to our knees, we draw closer to Him in prayer. Our faith grows, and with it our patience.

Unlike earthly races, there is not only one victor (1 Corinthians 9:24), for all who run for Him will win the prize of seeing Jesus face to face as we break the ribbon crossing over into Heaven, and spending eternity with Him there. There is no need for competition with the other runners, as we all pull together to help one another complete the race. We are surrounded by untold numbers of witnesses cheering us onward from the heavenlies, but ideally our fellow Christians here on earth also (Hebrews 12:1).

I am reminded of a true story from the Special Olympics of learning-disabled children running a race. At the starters’ pistol all took off, but one tripped and fell. All the others stopped running, turned back, helped their “competitor” get back up, and all crossed the finish line together, hand in hand!

As we run the Christian race, may we have patience to realize that “setbacks” are for our ultimate good and His glory. May we help and encourage one another! May we keep our eyes fixed on Him and on the prize that awaits every one of us on His team!

Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

© 2013 Laurie Collett

 

The Wedding Dance

Photo by Paul Munhoven 8/2/2011

In this dream, I hear a flute melody whispering on the breeze from far away, and I follow it across the hills to a country hamlet, nestled in the valley among pine trees, surrounded by rocky cliffs.

A young couple has just exchanged their marriage vows, and although the ceremony is over, the celebration is in full swing. The villagers clap in time to the music, joyously tapping their feet, joining in on tambourines and lyres. But all eyes are fixed on the couple, joined as one in the wedding dance. 

He wears white trousers and boots, topped by a princely white shirt and cape, and she is in a simple, long white frock, trimmed in hand spun lace. Both have crowns of fragrant wildflowers encircling their heads – his red roses and white lilies, and hers baby’s breath and forget-me-nots.

He is strong and handsome, his muscular arms protecting and guiding her through every move. Although the clearing where they twirl together is uneven, with rocky ledges and gulches, he never misses a step. As she clings to him and gazes up into his riveting eyes, her footing is sure, but when her attention drifts, distracted by others in the crowd, she stumbles. Yet even as she loses her balance he stabilizes her, whisking her away from danger and closer to him.

Soon the light changes from the midday sun illuminating the white fields, scattered like sheep on the hillside, to the long dusty beams of purple and maroon at sunset. The music changes too, sometimes tender and romantic, sometimes pounding with excitement and power, with bursts of joy intermingled with sad, soulful melodies that make me weep.

Yet the couple dances on, for he beautifully interprets every nuance of the changing rhythms. Boastful young men try to cut in, but she does not give them her hand any more than she would give away her heart, for it is promised to her beloved. As the sun sets, wolves and coyotes howl from the cliffs, and though she shudders, she buries her face in his chest and they waltz on.

A band of gypsy marauders presses in on the crowd, their raucous taunts and violins nearly drowning out the haunting flute melody, so that I must strain to hear it. But the couple still dances, moving together in perfect harmony with the flute and with each other, the bride following the groom’s perfect lead through turns, drops and sways. By now she is weary and physically drained, yet his vibrant energy sustains her, and he supports and even carries her when her strength wanes.  

Thunder echoes off the cliffs; then the skies open in a drenching downpour. The earth beneath the couple’s feet dissolves into mud, yet his attire and her bridal gown remain pristine. The flowers in his crown began to separate, revealing rainbows sparkling from golden, bejeweled crowns beneath, and I suddenly realize Who He is! The haunting trumpet sound and brilliant flash of lightning pierce the darkened sky and they vanish, caught up together in the heavens

As I awoke I thanked Him for being my betrothed, my beloved spouse (Song of Solomon 5:1), for guiding me through the dance of life. How blessed I am by  the promise that one day my Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) will return for me and catch me up with Him in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) where we will celebrate our marriage feast (Revelation 19:7-9), never to be parted. 

In the meantime, He is my shelter from the storm (Psalm 61:1-3) and my refuge from all harm (Psalm 91). He illuminates and steadies my path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:6), catches me when I stumble (Psalm 91:12), and keeps me unspotted and blameless through His imputed righteousness (Romans 4:22-25; 5:17-21; Revelation 19:7).

If I keep my eyes fixed upon His face I will not fear the harms and threats around me (Numbers 21:8), as He is my strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10) and my Fortress (Psalm 71:3). When I am weary, I can lean on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and He will carry me (Isaiah 40:11), for His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

May I always focus on the tender, soft melody of His love song (Zephaniah 3:17), of His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) and shut out the world clamoring around me (Romans 12:2). May I await His swift return (Revelation 11:14; 22:7,12,20) with the patience of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-12), separated and holy through His grace (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 1:15), my lamp burning brightly with the Holy Spirit.

How I long to hear that trumpet sound heralding my immediate transport to that celebration in the clouds, when my Beloved and I will be together forever! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

© 2013 Laurie Collett

 

Salvation’s Mysteries

As I reflect on God’s unspeakable gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of His Son, I am utterly undone by His love. My mind cannot begin to comprehend what He has done, or how or why. The paradox is not only in the cross, but in all aspects of His awesome salvation plan. 

These thoughts inspired the poem below. May all of you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday reflecting on the mysteries of His amazing grace! Trust in Him and live forever!

Hebrews 12:2; John 13:12-17; Revelation 20:4; 17:14; 19:16; Colossians 1:12-22; 1 Corinthians 15; 1:27; John 10:17; 1:3; 3:3-8, 16; 16:28;  1 John 3:16; Isaiah 53; 1:18; 55:9; Romans 5-6; 12:2;  2 Corinthians 5:19-20; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 19:30; 20:16; 18:3-4; Luke 9:24; 17:33; Ephesians 2:5-9

 

Salvation’s Mysteries

Jesus Christ was born to die

Endured the cross to feel the joy

Of saving sinners who were lost.

Jesus served so we could reign

Laid down His life to rise again.

Maker of all, the King of Kings

A lowly worm crushed by our sins.

The cruel thorns, the ugly scars

Reveal the beauty of His heart.

His blood-soaked cross made peace with God

His holiness removed our sins --

Washed white as snow in His shed blood

Reconciled our souls to Him.

He loved us despite our hate

He forgave while we rebelled

The Lord bowed down to take our shame

He gave all for our great gain.

His ways are not our ways.

His thoughts are not our thoughts.

If cast down, He will raise us up.

If we are last, we will be first.

We die to sin to be reborn

We lose our life to save our soul

We leave the world to live in Him

He died and rose so we can live.

Foolish things confound the wise

You can’t earn your way to Paradise.

Let Truth win out – think like a child.

Turn to Him – forsake your pride.

Trust in Him with childlike faith

Accept His precious gift of grace.

That moment seals your destiny.

You’ll live with Him eternally.

© 2013 Laurie Collett